XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to Chamber Media in its recapitalization by  Kirtland Capital Partners.

Chamber Media is a Utah-based full service creative agency focused on developing compelling video ads for social media platforms. The company has a proven track record of helping emerging e-commerce customers scale through effective video campaigns that drive sales. Chamber’s model is differentiated by its in-house video production capabilities and proprietary database that contains information on successful video advertising campaigns, which together drive efficient ad creation and outsized Return on Ad Spend. The company serves a diverse customer base of well-known brands, including Potbelly, Skytech Gaming, Tuft & Needle, Slingshot, and Big Blanket Co.

Kirtland Capital Partners is a Cleveland, Ohio-based private equity fund that has been investing in lower middle market companies for over 40 years. Kirtland invests in founder and family-owned companies with revenue between $10 – $50 million that are looking for outside resources to help achieve growth. Kirtland partnered with the company’s founders, Travis Chambers and Stefan van de Graaff, in the recapitalization of Chamber Media.

“Going through the process of selling a business for the first time can be daunting and overwhelming,” explained Stefan van de Graaff, Chamber Media Partner. “Anthony and Jay had the most professional, buttoned-up and battle-tested process that we’d ever heard, which truly sets them apart. We were consistently blown away by the leadership, consulting, expertise, and loyalty we got from XLCS. On top of all of this, they worked tirelessly, responded to our calls when we got nervous, gave us the good news and the bad news in full candor, worked with us to determine the best courses of action, and then executed flawlessly. There was never any doubt that they were representing us and our best interests.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Chamber Media and the transaction was led by Jay Cremer, Vice President, and Anthony Contaldo, Partner. The transaction was completed September 9, 2021.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to Barnes International, Inc. (Barnes) in its sale to Komline-Sanderson Corporation (Komline).

Founded in 1907 and based in Rockford, Illinois, Barnes manufactures an extensive line of quality coolant filtration solutions, including pressure and vacuum filtration systems, for a variety of industrial applications. The company was named a GM “Supplier of the Year” recipient in 2017 and received a Honda Motor Company Sustainability Award in 2020 for its Henry Filters division. In addition to major U.S. automotive companies, Barnes serves customers in the aerospace, agriculture and general machine tool industries.

Established in 1946 and headquartered in Peapack, New Jersey, Komline provides and maintains tailored filtration and pollution control solutions for a diverse group of customers around the world, including municipal wastewater treatment facilities, waste-to-energy utilities, and industrial processing plants in end markets such as chemical manufacturing, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Now, with the acquisition of Barnes, Komline will expand its filtration offerings to include those used by automotive, aerospace, and industrial products manufacturers. With these additional capabilities, Komline increases its ability to tackle its customers’ most difficult challenges in fluid and gas filtration.

“It was a great decision to choose XLCS. The whole team’s professionalism really made a difference,” said David Gollob, CEO of Barnes. “Having Bob Contaldo’s steady hand with his long years of experience helped guide us through what I have to believe was one of the more unique processes during a worldwide pandemic. I would highly recommend the XLCS team.”

The acquisition is expected to be the first of several that will significantly expand Komline’s product and service offerings, manufacturing capacity and geographic reach.

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Barnes and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed March 17, 2021.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to Cypress MultiGraphics, LLC in its sale to Resource Label Group, LLC.

Cypress MultiGraphics was originally founded in 1970 specializing in production of durable labels. Brad Weber, President & CEO, acquired the company in 2006. The company grew to two locations in Tinley Park, Illinois, and Brooklyn Center, Minnesota and has been a constant leader in the industrial label market working with many premier brands. As one of the leading durable label manufacturers in North America, Cypress MultiGraphics serves the Lawn & Garden, HVAC, Power Tools, Medical Equipment, and Appliances industries. The company offers state of the art screen and digital printing of durable nameplates and labels, including doming, as well as graphic overlays and faceplates, short-run hot stamp capabilities and flexographic and digital printing. Both facilities are ISO 9001-2015 registered, provide products that are UL and CSA approved, and are a 3M Select Converter.

“Bob Contaldo initially represented the seller when we bought the business 15 years ago,” said Weber. “We have been associated with XLCS with both buying and selling companies ever since.  Their in-depth label industry experience, exceptional marketing materials, and highly refined process resulted in a very competitive buying climate. XLCS found a first-class buyer and put my business and employees in good hands. We leaned on the entire XLCS staff throughout the transaction and each team member performed their role at a highly professional, knowledgeable level. They are great people to work with.”

Resource Label Group is a leading pressure sensitive label, shrink sleeve, and RFID/NFC manufacturer with diverse product offerings for the Food, Beverage, Chemical, Household Products, Personal Care, Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, and Technology industries. The Franklin, Tennessee, company provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems, and creative solutions that customers require. Cypress MultiGraphics represents the 19th acquisition for Resource Label Group and will increase their manufacturing footprint to 20 locations across North America.

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Cypress MultiGraphics and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. The transaction was completed May 3, 2021.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners., Inc, a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive advisor to Mosaic in its acquisition of i3Logic.

Mosaic is a national training and workforce consulting firm headquartered in Renton, Washington that focuses on the utility and oil and gas industries. Founded in 1996, Mosaic leads the industry in field operations, grid modernization, and enterprise application training for clients including Pacific Gas & Electric Company, National Grid, Duke Energy, DTE Energy, Dominion Energy, Consumers Energy, and Enbridge.

“The increased pace of digital transformation in the energy industry, the ramp-up of e-learning necessitated by COVID-19, and changing employee expectations have accelerated the need to create more blended, innovative training solutions that meet current business needs,” shared Megan Deans, Mosaic CEO. “i3Logic’s digital learning capabilities will elevate Mosaic’s industry-leading approach to competency training by combining industry expertise, a people-centric perspective, and modern learning methods to achieve measurable business impacts and value for our customers.”

Founded in 2004, i3Logic has developed a strong reputation as strategically technological and creative innovators in the learning industry. Based in Troy, Michigan, i3Logic primarily works in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, professional services, retail, and higher education industries. The company creates value for organizations by challenging the complacencies of the learning industry and providing an innovative and effective blend of services that establish clear links between learning, performance improvement, and business objectives.

“Within four months of meeting the XLCS team, we went from not knowing exactly what type of company we were looking to acquire to finding and completing the acquisition of a perfect fit. Bob and Jay were both expert professionals who led us through the entire process from start to finish and not only made it easy and seamless but extremely enjoyable,” said Rachel Collier, Mosaic Chief Marketing and Acquisitions Officer. “We can’t wait to work with XLCS again on a future acquisition!”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Mosaic and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Chairman and Managing Partner and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on December 31, 2020.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as advisor to Alpine Investors (Alpine) in its acquisition of Innovative Systems (Innovative).

Founded in 1998 in Mitchell, South Dakota, by CEO Roger Musick, Innovative serves Telecom, Cable, Municipality, Power, and Utility providers nationwide. The Company’s mission-critical enterprise software solutions enable independent service providers to seamlessly manage their businesses, deliver modern network services, and enhance existing offerings. Innovative’s core products include eLation™, an industry leading Billing & Operations Support System (BSS/OSS), IPTV, a live streaming and cable television solution suite, and APMAX™, a hardware and software Voice over IP (VoIP) platform.

Alpine is a people-driven private equity firm and Certified B Corporation® committed to building enduring companies by working with, learning from, and developing exceptional people. Based in San Francisco, California, Alpine specializes in growing middle-market companies in the software and services industries. Alpine’s investment in Innovative represents its fifth telecommunications technology investment in the past four years. Alpine’s other telecommunications businesses include VHT, Comlinkdata, Tutela, and ShareTracker. Since 2017, Alpine has invested in over 40 software businesses. The Innovative investment comes from the firm’s $1B Fund VII, which closed in 2019.

As the U.S. expands broadband infrastructure and rural areas invest in Fiber To The Home (FTTH), Innovative’s offerings add increasing value for their customers and the communities they serve. The family-owned company sought a values-aligned equity partner with enterprise software and industry expertise to shepherd Innovative through its next phase of growth.

“Anthony and the XLCS team were an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the process,” shared Patrick Eble of Alpine. “They were indispensable in sourcing and executing this transaction and we couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Alpine and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner. The transaction was completed December 7, 2020.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to William Frick & Company (Frick) in its sale to Presco Polymers Opco, Inc. (Presco), a portfolio company of River Associates Investments.

Frick is a designer, manufacturer, and value-added reseller of specialty labeling and marking products including custom labels, signs, tags, markers, nameplates, and radio frequency identification (RFID) products to the utility (electric, telecommunications, cablevision), OEM, aerospace, logistics, and asset management industries. The Company was established in 1975 and will continue to operate in Libertyville, Illinois.

Formed in 1943, Presco manufactures safety marking products along with extruded engineered films and laminated products in two dedicated manufacturing facilities in Sherman, Texas. These facilities house custom compounding and extrusion lines, custom stake flag and tape converting lines for Safety Marking Products. Pro Line, a late 2019 Presco acquisition, manufactures tracer wire and safety marking products including detectable and non-detectable tapes for underground marking and locating. Frick adds to Presco’s portfolio of offerings and further expands the reach to existing and complimentary markets. Presco is a portfolio company of River Associates, a longstanding lower middle market private equity firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Having worked for 30+ years growing a successful company, my business partner and I knew the value of our business very well but had virtually no experience with strategic transactions and how to maximize that value in the market,” said Jeff Brandt, Frick President. “Bob Contaldo and the entire XLCS team guided us through the financial, operational, and emotional issues surrounding our decision to sell our business while creating a mutual trust between us worthy of titling them our “Third Partner” for the duration of the deal.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Frick and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. The transaction was completed December 22, 2020.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to SMF Incorporated (SMF) in its sale to Etnyre International Ltd (Etnyre).

SMF specializes in medium to heavy gauge metal fabrications for OEMs in the heavy industrial engine and power generator, wind turbine, and mining and construction equipment markets. The Company provides laser cutting, forming, welding, machining, and finishing services for industrial engine and power generation, comprised of engine oil pans and engine bases, general fabrication for material handling, forestry, industrial components, construction, railroad, oil and gas, and wind tower embedment rings. SMF utilizes the most advanced equipment, technology, and manufacturing techniques ensuring customer satisfaction and consistently high quality. The Company was established in 1972 in Minonk, Illinois, and expanded in 2013 with an additional facility in Anderson, South Carolina.

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Oregon, Illinois, Etnyre proudly manufactures a wide range of equipment that serves the asphalt roadbuilding industry, from asphalt distributors to chip spreaders and storage tanks to trailers. With this acquisition, the Etnyre group of companies now includes SMF, Rayner Equipment Systems, Bearcat Manufacturing, and E.D. Etnyre Co. This acquisition gives Etnyre additional manufacturing capacity to serve existing customers and entry into oil and gas, power generation, and wind power industries.

“We have known the team at XLCS for several years and have always successfully referred them to trusted friends that own businesses,” shared Paul Halvorsen, SMF President. “They have had great success in our area selling some of the most admired businesses and have not only proven themselves with excellent results, but have become known as top professionals throughout the investment banking space. Our specific deal required not only extreme attention to detail but also proper respect and diligence for all parties. We realized a superb deal even amongst one of the most challenging times in business and our country’s history. The whole team at XLCS performs to the highest level at all times and treats every detail as critical. From getting to know the client, compiling the CIM, populating the Data Room, to negotiating the best fit prospects and finalist, and inevitably closing the deal, I can truly say they are the best! We heard very quality comments from all of the professionals involved in our deal that the XLCS team was the best or as good as the best that they have ever dealt with. Any business owner definitely needs to consult XLCS before choosing the best fit investment banker to sell their business. You only have one chance to get it right for everyone involved and XLCS works tirelessly for this result.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to SMF and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner and head of the firm’s Metal Fabrication Industry Practice Group. The transaction was completed October 27, 2020.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to Blind & Sons on its sale to Heartland Home Services, a portfolio company of North Branch Capital.

Based in Northeast Ohio, Blind & Sons specializes in providing total home comfort, offering heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electric, and indoor air quality services. The Company was originally established in 1937 by John W. Blind to offer coal furnaces and gas conversion burners and has continually grown through repeat customers and customer referrals.

Headquartered in Macomb, Michigan, Heartland Home Services is a leading provider of non-discretionary, residential HVAC replacement and maintenance, plumbing, and electrical services. The company services homeowners in Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. This is Heartland’s fifth strategic acquisition since North Branch Capital became the majority shareholder in November 2017. North Branch Capital is a lower middle market private equity firm, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, with a long history of investing alongside and partnering with management teams in industrial businesses.

“The Blind & Sons owners and management team have built an exceptional business, and the strategic and cultural fit with Heartland and North Branch Capital was immediately evident,” said Anthony Contaldo, Partner of XLCS Partners. “We are excited to track their mutual success in the future.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Blind & Sons and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo. Completed on June 30, 2020, this transaction marks the eleventh facility and home services industry transaction for XLCS Partners, having previously completed several residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing, and building maintenance transactions.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.